Judge Gives Woman 5 Years In Drunk Driving Death

A woman who had been charged with second degree murder in a drunk driving fatality will spend at least the next five years in prison after pleading guilty to lesser charges.

As part of a deal with prosecutors, Carla Atallah admitted to felony death by motor vehicle, DWI and misdemeanor hit and run.

Judge Marvin Blount sentenced the woman to serve at least five years in prison. In the two most serious charges, the judge gave Atallah the maximum sentence.

Troopers say Atallah was driving drunk when she lost control on Worthington Rd. in Pitt County in May 2009. Her passenger, Ryan Worthington, was killed in the accident.

Last week, Atallah pleaded guilty to one of the two DWIs she was charged with before the fatal wreck.

"I fully accept all responsibility for it-- I'm just so sorry," said a sobbing Atallah. "I'm just very sorry to your family. And I'm also sorry to my family. I shouldn't have ever gotten in that car. I don't ever want something like this to happen again."

Atallah had three DWIs within a year.

Prosecutors said the first time Atallah had a DWI she hit a light pole, the second time she struck two parked cars and the third time she killed one of her best friends.

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A woman who has been facing charges for a drunk driving death for nearly four years will appear in court this afternoon.

Carla Atallah, 24, is due in court in Pitt County at 2:00 p.m

Troopers say Atallah was driving drunk when she lost control on Worthington Rd. in Pitt County in May 2009. Her passenger, Ryan Worthington, was killed in the accident.

Last week, Atallah pleaded guilty to one of the two DWIs she was charged with before the fatal wreck.

The woman is charged with second degree murder in Worthington's death.

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A woman accused of murder in a drunk driving crash is scheduled to go on trial today.

Carla Atallah is accused in the September 2009 crash that killed Ryan Worthington who was 21 years old. Troopers say Atallah was behind the wheel when she crashed on Worthington Road in Pitt County.

Last week, the 24-year-old pleaded guilty to one of the DWI charges she was facing before the fatal crash that killed Worthington.

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